TryTunes.com back from hiatus, featuring American Idol Songwriter entries
Apr 26th, 2007 | By Joe Taylor Jr. | Category: General|
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About three years ago, we had a clever little podcast experiment called TryTunes that lasted about two weeks because I was too busy to keep it fed.
However, in the past few days, a number of songwriters have asked if we could host their American Idol songwriting contest entries so folks could hear them. (In many cases, these are folks who aren’t ready to put them up on MySpace, or folks who are writing songs that “don’t fit” the rest of their portfolio.)
So, after some feverish coding, I’ve pulled TryTunes back from the mothballs, and you can find it here:
Consider this a “pre-alpha” release, as I haven’t even got a real submission form going yet. In the meantime, if you want to get your song up on our server, send a quick note to tips [at] spinme.com with TRYTUNES SUBMISSION in the subject line. In the body of your note, put the name of the song, the name(s) of the writers, and the name(s) of the performers, as you would want to see them online. Do not send your file as an attachment — just send us the note on its own for our records (and so we can spell your name right). THEN, you can use DropSend or another free file transfer service to send your file to us.
Because we’re doing this as a little side project, we won’t have time to visit sites to pull down files — please use DropSend to get them to us. Until we get a more formal submission process, we’re using a Creative Commons license on that particular feed, we’re assuming that you’re giving us permission to post your song, and you also retain the option to have us remove the song by request. Further legalese is on the way, for sure. But for now, let’s just have fun in the sandbox.
As a bonus, you can use the comment threads on those pages to discuss the merits of each song. Should streamline some of the conversation that was happening in the previous thread, once we have some songs up there.
‘Kay? Great.
Now, here’s your next American Idol Songwriter discussion thread. Have at it, folks!
Track these topics: American+Idol, contest, music+business, podcasting, TryTunes, songwriter, songwriting
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April 26th, 2007 at 3:39 pm
to get off the messages, you can go to the link at the bottom of an email you get and click on it to be blocked from receiving them.
since it was at the end of the last link: can anyone tell me if a pre chorus can be music and one word like “so” or “yes”….and then music going into the chorus?
April 26th, 2007 at 3:44 pm
Okay, since we’re all having so much fun hoping, speculating, and sharing info, does anyone have any thoughts about how much MONEY this little opportunity is going to mean for the winner? Yes, I know there is the $10k royalty advance and the at source deal. But does anyone want to take a guess at what kind of actual dollars that’s going to mean over the 10 year contract time for the winner?
Melissa
April 26th, 2007 at 3:44 pm
The phone number was required when you did the initial registration before the upload of the song. Remember? I had to do an initial registration, got a confirmation email with a link to verify…then had to confirm. After that part…then came the song submission part. There was no place for a phone number on that part of the process.
April 26th, 2007 at 3:46 pm
I also was getting an email each time a comment was posted - so I am trying to stop it by unmarking the “notify me of followup comments via e-mail” box. Hope that helped. I can’t keep up as it is.
April 26th, 2007 at 3:47 pm
ooops, wow, didn’t even see that box sitting right there.
Thanks!
April 26th, 2007 at 3:48 pm
I think the whole formula verse/pre-chorus/chorus is a feel thing and can vary from song to song. Example I don’t think “Let it Be” has a pre-chorus. It’s really about whether the listener becomes bored. The song should have a certain amount of tension that propels you through it (a kind of motion forward). Pop music does tend to be more formulaic in it’s arrangement but there are tons of exceptions. I do things by feel, if I’m stuck or something doesn’t sound quite right then I go back to formula to see if that can provide guidance. These things should be used as tools not as a cookbook.
My entry is verse/(very short instrumental pre-chorus/two-part chorus/verse/prechorus/two-part chorus/bridge/two part chorus
April 26th, 2007 at 3:48 pm
Michael–don’t down the whole bottle at once, we need you coherent enough to share the next tidbit that comes in over the wire or as you peek through the curtain.
April 26th, 2007 at 3:50 pm
THERE IS NO WAY THAT COOP CAN BE RIGHT
A) NO PR AGENT IS GOING TO GIVE THAT INFO AND B) THERE IS NO WAY THAT THEY WILL BE RELEASING THE SONG AS IT WAS RECORDED- THAT WOULD GIVE A HUGE ADVANTAGE TO ONE PERSON OVER ANOTHER- THEY ARE GOING TO ARRANGE THEM AND HAVE SOMEONE SING THEM- THAT IS WHY THEY WANT THE ORIGINAL WAV.DOC- SO THAT THEY CAN ADD AND TWEAK THE SONG- THAT IS JUST MY OPINION- SORRY- I JUST DO NOT BUY IT- I ALSO THINK THAT IF WE DO NOT HEAR BY TOMORROW IT DOES NOT LOOK GOOD FOR US
April 26th, 2007 at 3:50 pm
Michael…don’t leave us!!…Didn’t you say you were trying to confirm another tidbit?
April 26th, 2007 at 3:51 pm
Joe,
Which thread are we on now? There were two at the bottom of the last endpoint.
April 26th, 2007 at 3:54 pm
Who is Coop? Is it Jeff?? Do we have pet names here? If so, Neat is what I was called since I was 3. Only my friends and family call me that…so I guess you guys are all that
Melissa, to be completely honest with you…I could care less about the money…it’s the exposure that I would get… along with fulfilling my lifelong “wish” of what do I want to be when I grow up? I love knowing that this passion and burden in my heart can actually be used and shared with others in a powerfully meaningful way. That is worth it ALL to me.
April 26th, 2007 at 3:54 pm
wow michael, that is definitely interesting news…so not one person has been notified about being in the Top 20 yet? that is just crazy talk! or should i say i am going crazy waiting! haha…and you said they are still looking? i guess that means they have not listend to every single song yet? they may be working up through the weekend depending on how far they are through listening to all the submissions….it is gonna be a long weekend waiting for something to happen…
April 26th, 2007 at 3:54 pm
To MYRIKAL.. i listened to your song READY TO FALL..first of all nice simple sweet production, music style reminds me a bit of John Mayer, vocal style reminds me of Brian Mcknight, smooth man smooth, nice combo, as for the song, nice intricate sophisticated melody, my only criticism is that I would like to hear an extension of the chorus, right after Now IM ready to Fall, would definitelty like to hear vocals instead of a piano line, the Now Im ready to Fall line really sucks you in but I felt a little dissapointed not to hear a vocal completion, great stlye though
To Mathew, I’ve heard your song the OTHER DOOR, to start off with, I really don’t like the I been scared, but im pushing my fears away, NOW I FLY lyric, they gonna get 24000 songs with those same lines,that’s just my opinion, I would be shocked and dissapointed if any of the top 20 had those lines, as for the melody, wasnt initially crazy about it, after hearing it a couple of times can hear potential in it perhaps with some production changes and melody tune ups, with those vocals I could see Keith Urban style music. goodluck everyone
http://www.annafleshler.com/LiVE_.html
April 26th, 2007 at 3:56 pm
question - is there a legal reason (related to the contest) why some people aren’t posting their songs?
In the last string, someone had mentioned that they would post their song after the top 20 were announced?
Just curious?
-Phil
April 26th, 2007 at 3:56 pm
You’re at the right place, Lee. Both links point here.
Neat — didn’t see your comment until after launching TryTunes — do you still want me to pull the song down? (5 people have listened already.)
April 26th, 2007 at 3:57 pm
js- why are you posting in all CAPS. it seems like you’re yelling at us…chill please.
In my opinion, they will not have time to redo all the songs and have a singer sing them. I 100% disagree with you on that.
Michael come back…i’ll share my wine with you!!
hugs
tamar
April 26th, 2007 at 3:58 pm
Brenda: I submitted on April 14. As for where the phone # info was requested, on the songwriter registration or in the song submission process, to me it was just one long process. I wish I could be more specific for you.
Rob: If you didn’t enter your age, how are they to know you are of legal age to enter this contest? I don’t recall the info entry fields being optional. Maybe they were. Seems to me this could be a disqualifier and if you lie about your age, they’re gonna find out anyway. Then, the question is: what else weren’t you forthcoming about? The webs we weave…
April 26th, 2007 at 4:03 pm
Well, that’s the information that I was given, and I am sure it is correct. There is no time to re-record 20 songs in 2 days, find a suitable singer etc. They post the 20 songs the way they were submitted. They will arrange only the winning song for the final and for later release.
The contact I have is with a global PR firm sitting on Wilshire Boulevard in LA.
I believe my source to be truthful.
April 26th, 2007 at 4:08 pm
tamar-
sometimes my cap goes on and i just don’t turn it off- i am chasing after a 17 month old and half the time she is pushing buttons with me- i am not yelling- to be honest- i cannot believe you would spend the time writing that!
i hope the re do the songs so that everyone has an equal shot-
smiles
April 26th, 2007 at 4:09 pm
Neat:
who am I? well i drive a cooper..that’s where the name comes from. I am just another songwriter who entered the competition
Good luck to you.
April 26th, 2007 at 4:10 pm
What is it with all this speculation, folks? Now some speculation: I would not be surprised at all if no one has been contacted, because of five digits: 25,000.
Submissions, that is.
They’re probably doing the best they can to get through it.
Remember something: All songwriting contests say that the quality of the recording isn’t important. But let’s be real: with 25,000 entries, a solid recording can’t hurt. Sure, a great song will shine through sub-par production, but a great song will REALLY shine through with great production.
Think of it by thinking of an equivalent: If you were going to submit a screenplay to a contest and it was handwritten in messy hand, as opposed to typed with good punctuation and spelling, the chances your screenplay would make it through, no matter how great, are much reduced.
Good luck all!!
April 26th, 2007 at 4:12 pm
I sure hope you’re right Cooper. It’s sure nice to believe you’re right. I gotta go home. I’m going to listen to my song all the way home (again) and dream of those people raising their eyebrows with interest. “Catchy, send this one thru.” God help me. I need a smoke and beer. I’m not in the mood to be a wino tonight. I’ll leave that up to Tamar and Michael. I’ll check in later.
April 26th, 2007 at 4:12 pm
to melissa, #2….
well, let’s have some fun with the numbers…
the winner will get $10,000 up front, whether the single makes money or not. but any money made from the sales of the single will pay back that 10k advance. then anything over the 10k will be coming to you in payments.
if we make some wide and far reaching assumptions, let’s say that only 100,000 copies sell from online downloads. if each download is 99¢, and if the 75% at source applies to each song sale, then you would get 75¢ for each of the 100,000 downloads…
this comes to $75,000. you would subtract the 10k advance you had already received against the sales, so you would get another $65,000 dollars. not sure if it would be a lump sum, or paid out in monthly installments, etc..it could be done either way. i am also not sure if they will take out taxes before they send you the money. if they do, then you would only get @ $8,500 of the $10,000 advance, and then another $55,250 of the $65,000 sales.
of course, it remains to be seen exactly what the amount per sale is. if out of 99¢ download, they might make it 75% of the statutory rate, which might be like 10¢ or 15¢, and you would get 75% of that, so maybe around 7.5¢ to 11.25¢ per song download. so in that case you might only get between $7,500 dollars to $11,250 before taxes, and that would just barely make back the advance they gave you, so you might not receive anything.
however, no matter how they do it, i am guessing the song will sell much better than that. it will probly sell over 500,000 copies, maybe a million or more, you never know. there has been so much publicity this season with the charity thing that people might have it on their minds more than any other season before, so it might sell millions of copies.
if it sold a million copies and we use the 75¢ per sale, then you would make in total $750,000!!! (10k+740k), and after taxes were paid out (assuming a 40% tax bracket) you would make in total about $450,000 dollars!
if we use the lower 10¢ rate per sale, you would make $100,000 (10k+90k) and after taxes would take home around $60,000.
in any case, there is a big chunk of money to be made. the 10k advance alone is awesome. so pretty much whoever wins the contest will be much better off financially. not to mention they would get deals writing more songs. it adds up to a great future…
April 26th, 2007 at 4:12 pm
Lee had a great idea, y’all. I have turned on the registration — if you register an account, you *should* no longer have to wait for moderation:
http://spinme.com/wp-login.php?action=register
Let’s see how this works…
April 26th, 2007 at 4:12 pm
Joe Taylor - Yes please do take it down. I have not obtained permission from my co-writer and I wouldn’t want to offend. Thanks!
April 26th, 2007 at 4:19 pm
This blog really is great in its own ways.Some people give insightful info,some bring up conversations to make us wonder,some take offense to everything said,and some give us hope.The list goes on and on.It has also made me realize that this AI contest is not the end of the world people.Sure,we all would like tio know something more than we do,but we don’t.It also feels like it was when I was 10,and waiting for Christmas morning.It’s great to dream,and wish ourselves and each other better lives.And I also wouldn’t put it past the people in charge of making us feel this way.No sense in saying anymore that..there’s only a few days left..they’ll never be able to do that in that amount of time,or,if we don’t hear anything by Friday then it’s a lost cause.This company has boatloads of money to throw around.They have plenty of resources to do things our feeble minds would never have thought possible.If they have a week to go through millions of votes to ensure a regular contestant is kicked off every week,and they have time to tally the total number of calls they received to donate for the Idol Gives Back Special,and all the money that was donated to it,believe me…they can find 20 songwriters,and make sure they’re contacted in one week’s time.Will it be a fair process? Who actually knows,but eventually the veil will come off,and we all will know what we need to know,even if we’d hate to see that our own submissions didn’t make it.
April 26th, 2007 at 4:21 pm
Thanks Joe, for your quick reply.
April 26th, 2007 at 4:22 pm
js-sorry…it just took me by surprise…as you know, in these forums, the way you present an email can be misinterpreted…
didn’t mean to make you feel bad…!
Jackie- mmmm a beer sounds good to.
April 26th, 2007 at 4:24 pm
C’mon Coop, that’s not a scoop. Kelly or Larry over at B|W|R or was it barb at Ogilvy through LA.
April 26th, 2007 at 4:28 pm
Oh Dear Ann!
I didn’t lie. I think they had a check box that said “Are you over 18″ as part of the contract. 99% sure there was no entry box to put an age. I just didn’t mention it in my bio and didn’t say anything like ” been toiling away for 40 years in my basement.
Though maybe I should have if they are looking for the 60 year grandmother who wirtes on the porch.
April 26th, 2007 at 4:30 pm
LOL..well it wasn’t Kelly or Larry.. :-).. I am trying to get some more..but we will see…it’s like waiting for christmas…
April 26th, 2007 at 4:39 pm
Hey Neat,
I agree with you about there being MUCH more too all this than the money. But money is good. And SO much fun to think about. I’m sure that to win this thing would be absolutely life-changing…on many levels.
Melissa
April 26th, 2007 at 4:41 pm
Melissa,
You’re the next contestant — and you’ve got an Alison Moyet thing going on toward the end of that song (which is a compliment!).
http://trytunes.spinme.com/walking-on-the-clouds-4/
April 26th, 2007 at 4:43 pm
Totally, Maybe Coop and I can start our own PR company seems like we know the same people. They are good Coop but don’t fall for that, they get paid to control information.
Still waiting to see if I can release this last bit. If I can I will I swear, but scheduling is very secretive and there is actually a security risk to it. Not like National security or anything, but some of these people have to be very careful for good reason. So, I am respecting that and as soon as he emails me back, you’ll get it. For those in the know: It’s a ‘minor’ inconvenience.
April 26th, 2007 at 4:48 pm
To Melissa and Neat,
Always keep that mindset of loving the process and the possibilities. However, never say you don’t care about the money. Whenever you hear a song on TV or radio, many people are being paid for it and you should be one of them. You are a creator and with that is a huge responsibility to your creation and well as yourself.
April 26th, 2007 at 4:48 pm
Joe Taylor,
Since only 5 listens to my pulled down track, any comments on “Free to Love”? Be brutally honest. Thanks!
April 26th, 2007 at 4:48 pm
Joe,
Thank you. I’ve listened to lots of Alison Moyet and Yaz so perhaps it filtered into the music through osmosis.
And Michael, you are so cryptic! I can’t wait to hear your news - “minor” or “major” or otherwise!
Melissa
April 26th, 2007 at 4:49 pm
He said, she said, they said;
i can’t get a darn thing done i have to keep checking this every three minutes! I think there will be some relief when this is “over” because i have to get my life back!!! I just would LOVE that life to include a chance.
ok………please email back if you did NOT HAVE the words: dream, believe, fear, doubt, fly, soar references, or hoping/wishing/moment/shine…..
Afterall, the suggestion was that the lyrics should “reflect the journey” and it’s HARD to do that! If you look at MOment Like This and INside Your Heaven, you have to really STRETCH to imagine the lyrics reflecting the idol journey.
And by the way, NONE of these are Diane Warren songs and I saw her on Oprah, she has 90 CHART topping songs and is considered the most prolific woman songwriter in history and I was SO MOVED watching her becuase I think, I wish i had her talent and success!
April 26th, 2007 at 4:51 pm
I love how they wrote on the submission form that the quality of the recording didn’t matter, because the American Idol team would “work their magic” or something like that. I guess by magic, they meant uploading the songs to the website. OOooooh. Magical.
I think I would die of shame if anyone heard my recording, on the off chance that my song was selected. :/
April 26th, 2007 at 4:51 pm
to melissa, #2….
well, let’s have some fun with the numbers…
the winner will get $10,000 up front, whether the single makes money or not. but any money made from the sales of the single will pay back that 10k advance. then anything over the 10k will be coming to you in payments. maybe a monthly or quarterly payment? not sure how they would handle it…
if we make some wide and far reaching assumptions, let’s say that only 100,000 copies sell from online downloads. if each download is 99¢, and if the 75% at source applies to each song sale, then you would get 75¢ for each of the 100,000 downloads…
this comes to $75,000. you would subtract the 10k advance you had already received against the sales, so you would get another $65,000 dollars. not sure if it would be a lump sum, or paid out in monthly installments, etc..it could be done either way. i am also not sure if they will take out taxes before they send you the money. if they do, then you would only get @ $8,500 of the $10,000 advance, and then another $55,250 of the $65,000 sales.
of course, it remains to be seen exactly what the amount per sale is. if out of 99¢ download, they might make it 75% of the statutory rate, which might be like 10¢ or 15¢, and you would get 75% of that, so maybe around 7.5¢ to 11.25¢ per song download. so in that case you might only get between $7,500 dollars to $11,250 before taxes, and that would just barely make back the advance they gave you, so you might not receive anything.
however, no matter how they do it, i am guessing the song will sell much better than that. it will probly sell over 500,000 copies, maybe a million or more, you never know. there has been so much publicity this season with the charity thing that people might have it on their minds more than any other season before, so it might sell millions of copies.
if it sold a million copies and we use the 75¢ per sale, then you would make in total $750,000!!! (10k+740k), and after taxes were paid out (assuming a 40% tax bracket) you would make in total about $450,000 dollars!
if we use the lower 10¢ rate per sale, you would make $100,000 (10k+90k) and after taxes would take home around $60,000.
in any case, there is a big chunk of money to be made. the 10k advance alone is awesome. so pretty much whoever wins the contest will be much better off financially. not to mention they would get deals writing more songs. it adds up to a great future…
April 26th, 2007 at 4:53 pm
Wehn I think of Songwriter I think of someone who writes the songs, aka the lyrics. Isn’t a composer the one who makes the music. Because it is proclaimed as a songwriter contest and not a composer or singing contest, i don’t think it would be too fair to pick a top 20 soley on the production quality of the piece. Hopefully American feels the same way. I think America’s voters will be swept under the production of the song and not focus on the quality of the lyrics themselves. Who knows what to expect. Let’s just say we are the guinea pigs for this type of competition……
April 26th, 2007 at 4:54 pm
Neat, I think you’ve been in my CD collection. Sounds just like the stuff I used to get paid to play on the radio. I could imagine the Idol arrangers slowing it down a bit, but you should be able to pull a great audience in the Northeast with that song as it is.
April 26th, 2007 at 4:55 pm
braydn you aren’t even close.
April 26th, 2007 at 4:59 pm
Fun with money - I like it. Braydn, I think I read somewhere that the $10k would be pretty much used up already in just the TV performance. Sounds good, doesn’t it?
Michael, care to chime in with the insider info? Shoot us a ballpark figure - just for fun, don’t you know…
Melissa
April 26th, 2007 at 5:06 pm
“They work their magic”
If i recall correctly, that was a reference made only to the winning song, that when it being performed live, it will be re-arranged etc, I do not remember they guidelines said they would do anything with the top 20 songs.
Michael a PR company? I just want to write music!..LOL, doing enough marketing already…
April 26th, 2007 at 5:06 pm
I’ve become addicted to this site. You guys are hilarious and I know my coworkers are wondering what’s making me laugh! I honestly don’t think I could’ve gotten through the last few days without this. Thanks. It’s 5:00 in my world and time to go home. Have a good night everyone and don’t stress too much.
April 26th, 2007 at 5:06 pm
Well thank you, I appreciate it! I thank you for being so kind in telling me that it’s not Hollywood material:-) You’re too cool!
April 26th, 2007 at 5:20 pm
hey guys thanks so much for the threads been wonderin the same myself….so i tried uploadin all the stuff for the song and just wanted to ask a question….
is the 75 at source your cut as i understand…. ok well that means the pub.. is only taking 25 or in a 50/50 deal they are acting like you are your own publisher and so then they split 50 with the pub and then half of there 50 with you ( the writer) if this is true great for those that manage there catalogues but if its not a “license” (where one pub has the rights then gives the right to use to another pub for an amount of time and splits the earnings) type deal then that means you are signing to them the 75% at source deal which means…. you split 75% 50 50 with pub and writer right??? so am i off keel in my understanding……i hope you can follow cause i didnt really understand the 75 at source issue…there is no way ??? that the 75cent per dollar model is accurate since the publishers cut is not getting taken out… most starting writers are lucky for the 50/50 deal right, i mean i know they vary but …. please advise….
April 26th, 2007 at 5:30 pm
Okay everyone keeps asking about the phone number thing. When you ’signed up’ there was a name, addy and phone number section in the sign up portion, then after that you submitted your song, lyrics and bio. I’m positive I gave a phone number, snail mail addy, birthday and an email addy to sign up to enter the contest.
I hope that helps. This thread went crazy and I can’t catch up and don’t know if anyone answered it or not!
April 26th, 2007 at 5:34 pm
As to the phone number thing..
I know for a fact that when I entered my song there was no place to enter a phone number. I thought that was odd, so I added my name, phone number and contact info into the box where I entered the lyrics.
April 26th, 2007 at 5:36 pm
Hi Susan,
The song I entered has the words Angels Wings, but no reference to flying. My song is about Cancer and my mother. I doubt it is what they were looking for, but I sent it anyway because it was already recorded. It is a tear jerker song and no, it doesn’t have a ‘bridge’ other than the bridge of music that leads to the chorus.
April 26th, 2007 at 5:39 pm
Cooper, there sure are enough of us who remember them saying that the quality of the demo won’t matter because their people are going to work their magic or something to that effect to arrange the songs; i think we took that to mean the 20 because why else wouldn’t it matter about the quality ? if they are going to play your song AS IS, then there are people, such as myself, who would have booked studio time and made it a higher quality! The info stated just a guitar/piano and vocal and if you couldn’t sing, maybe a sister or friend had a better voice……….but they did’t say “if your song is chosen, what you send us is what the public will vote on.” did NOT get that message at all! However, everything is a moot point isn’t it! We’re all passing info back and forth trying to appease our demons and hope that we still actually have a chance!
April 26th, 2007 at 5:42 pm
This is hilarious. If anyone is taking this way too personally it’s not me. I’m having a great time. I am not criticizing anybody Jeffery. You’re the one who told me to check myself before I wrecked myself. I thought it was funny because I hadn’t heard that saying in years. I am actually looking forward to you getting your song up here because your lyrics are great and very applicable. I believe that there are tons of people on here that know what they are talking about. That is not what I was arguing. I believe this site is a great source of information. I was referring to somebody’s comment about being misled by AI’s site because of something they read here. I was just telling him not to get down because this was just an advice and info page, nothing official. I never said you guys don’t know what you are talking about. Please stop putting words in my mouth. I never said anybody was hopeless. I haven’t said half the things you guys are upset with me for. I wasn’t trying to rescue anybody, especially myself. I don’t even have a song entered. Anyway, I’m sure I’ve said something that’s going to be taken wrong in this email too so let’s hear it. What did I do now?
April 26th, 2007 at 5:44 pm
Anna Marie thanks for answering!
April 26th, 2007 at 5:44 pm
I’ve been out all afternoon - and I see dozens and dozens of responses. But - sorry to say - the only ones I have time to find and read are “Michael’s”. HAHA.
I guess the latest is that no one has been contacted yet - ?
God Bless you Michael (and AI should thank you too). If you’re running for President - you got my vote.
April 26th, 2007 at 5:52 pm
hey,
tamar- no worries
i am confused- i thought you get paid also from every time they play it on the radio- etc- not just downloads- am i wrong? i think the winner is going to make millions if it goes to number 1- don;t you get a piece of every album it sells or is it just downloads? please explain
i agree that they should re do the songs- they cannot expect the public to vote for a song that sounds like cr*p b/c of the production and singer- agst a song that is nicely done, no?
thx
April 26th, 2007 at 5:53 pm
“demo quality”
always deliver the best possible quality you can achieve. always try to look, or sound your best, no matter what it’s for. it’s a competition, and we all know how spoiled record execs have gotten, to the degree that submitted demos have to sound like a master.
April 26th, 2007 at 5:58 pm
ps Michael - if anyone hurts you or sues you for any information released here - I sure all of us will either avenge you or set up your defense fund at this website. Whichever is appropriate.
April 26th, 2007 at 6:02 pm
On Demo Quality, although AI said it the quality and production of the demo doesnt matter, its hard to believe, production and arrangement are almost as important as songwriting, most people tend to get swayed by the production, its like trying to sell a car, if you have a good engine and your trying to explain to the customer ..imagine this type of body..as opposed to an engine with the body..common sense says a better production comes off more professional and complete, HOWEVER…. one can also say a good production can almost pinhole you into a certain style and genre of production which in many ways can hurt in a contest like this, a barebone guitar/piano and vocals can possibly allow the song to be molded easier than a full production, thats how we did it, guitar and vocal, always like to hear a vocal which can stand alone, also a good imaginative sincere lyric. goodluck everyone the next couple of days will determine the final 20, can’t see it going too far into the weekend
http://www.annafleshler.com/LiVE_.html
April 26th, 2007 at 6:09 pm
am i the only one who never believed that they would redo the songs???
it all boils down to this folks…you put yourself out there. good or bad - like it or not. there you are.
you’re all forgetting that ‘bad’ is the new ‘good’
April 26th, 2007 at 6:16 pm
To continue the demo quality discussion — I’ve entered a few songwriting contests and they ALWAYS say that production doesn’t matter, a good song shines, etc. and so on. BUT I’ve noticed that the selected winners always seem to have stellar production, polished arrangements and even if the song is just guitar/vocal or piano/vocal it is still a slick performance without glaring errors, pitch problems, and all the other little glitches that show up in many submissions (including mine). So, I’ve gotta agree - production DOES count! A less polished effort can interfere with the listener’s ability to really appreciate the songwriting. Just my $.02, for what it’s worth.
Melissa
April 26th, 2007 at 6:21 pm
I see this entire group drifting into a mass psychosis. And superwoman, I apologize for my last comments as they were unfair.
Michael or someone at AI, please talk to us. If they’ve called the Top20 so be it, but I’d like to be able to eat tonight LOL.
Also, Ann S., how cool. I bet McCartney and Hendrix see and saw notes in color. March over your left shoulder huh? Makes more sense than anything else today.
April 26th, 2007 at 6:22 pm
Will they re-arrange all 20 songs or only the winner? I started searching for the answer to this most important question the day after I read the rules. I called and emailed AI to no avail and did a google search and found this blog site. There was a crucial posting by a guy from 19 entertainment early last week who said there would be NO rearrangement of the final 20. Only the winning song gets rearranged. Based on that, I got the best singer I could find and recorded my song in a professional studio because I sing like a frog and have the recording ability of a caveman. Yes, AI’s rules were misleading in their vagueness and should one get in the final 20, the quality of the arrangement and recording will have a HUGE impact on how the public perceives it. I mean, if you take the identical dress and have it modeled by Uma Thurman and Rosie O’Donnell, which identical dress will the average Joe prefer?
April 26th, 2007 at 6:22 pm
You all are awesome
April 26th, 2007 at 6:48 pm
Trish, Jeffrey - Play nice! This is way too much fun to get caught up in a flog in the blog.
Michael, Cooper thanks for keeping our hopes alive for one more day.
I have to believe that the demo quality will ultimately affect the voting of the public, who in my opinion would be hard pressed to recognize a gorgeous melody, unique and original lyrics and solid song structure, if poorly produced and recorded. While AI suggests that a great song always shines through, I doubt that the voting public is so estute as to overlook a mediocre production versus a lesser song that was well produced.
Out of curiosity, have any of you ever written anything in 3/4 time? One of my submissions was, a ballad you dance “The Waltz” to…. It’s definitely different!
April 26th, 2007 at 6:49 pm
I have a good reason for not posting my own demo–it stinks. So there. But, it’s like Linus’ Pumpkin Patch–it’s sincere.
I’m getting annoyed with myself for getting so wrapped up in this. I haven’t waited by the phone like this since.. well.. ever. My life’s been so turned inside-out this week. Am I the only one thinking twice about ever entering a songwriting contest again? I really dislike this jerked-around, sick to my stomach, hoping but not wanting to jinx myelf, feeling.
All but 20 of us are going to walk away from this feeling like failures. Who needs that?
April 26th, 2007 at 6:53 pm
The winning song would make money in several ways, like any hit song:
1. mechanical royalties: those made from sales of the album
2. performance royalties: made from radio plays, other
3. sych royalties: from film or TV usage (but I believe the contract they’ll have the winning songwriter sign says they WON’T get money for the original performance of the song on AI, but I might be wrong)
4. digital download of single and sales of CD single
5. potential for usage in television/radio commercials
6. sheet music royalties
If it hits number one on Billboard pop chart, you’re talking about at least $500,000 when you add up all the above, and likely more, over a few years. (How this is split between the songwriter and the publisher depends on the deal.)
Check out some books on the subject!
April 26th, 2007 at 6:56 pm
Michael,
Hard work, blood, sweat and tears should be rewarded and what better way with money right? Well, I’m all for it, but I do think that when your heart is in the really right place the money always comes, when you’re doin something with the right kind of purpose. Just my own personal feeling…anymore news? Where’s that email?
April 26th, 2007 at 6:59 pm
i don’t think you should feel like a failure. 20 out of even 1,000 would be hard to make. and to think about how many of those songs we haven’t heard…
everyone keep their heads up and continue writing!
April 26th, 2007 at 7:01 pm
To Ann: I really think maybe you shouldn’t enter contests if it is making you so nervous. You should use that energy to go write another song and keep working on the music.
You shouldn’t feel like a failure if you don’t win. Dreams usually take years and years to come true, if at all, and winning this songwriting contest, or American Idol, is as likely as winning the lottery.
Concentrate all your nervous energy on new creating new songs!!
April 26th, 2007 at 7:28 pm
There is another Phil among us so I changed mine to PhilP. Anyway, I agree that production is important when you’re pitching a song only because of the competition. But even more important is that the vocal comes accross clearly and the lyrics are understandable. And finally the melody is the most important factor of all for A&R. I have pitched songs in person to A&R people in NY and in Nashville and they look for Melody first and then Lyrical content. I’ve heard some really good songs posted here and I’ve also heard some songs that you have to strain to hear the vocal. I’ve been there recording on a small Reel to Reels many years ago.
But on another subject I just want to say that many of you sound like you have youth on your side. Songwriting is an evolving talent that not many people have. You should all be proud of yourselves just to have submitted a song to this huge opportunity. Most of you will realize success. Maybe it won’t be exactly the way that you pictured it. But it will be just as satisfying. I am an old baby boomer still competing with you guys so good luck to you all.
April 26th, 2007 at 7:32 pm
Hey, Johnny: I started writing a new song 30 minutes ago on the way to pick up my kids at ball practice. The title/hook is SO good that I can’t share it with any of you. I’m serious! One of you guys will steal it. The hardest part will be finding someone who can sing like Toby Keith to cut it!
April 26th, 2007 at 7:33 pm
It’s 5:30 LA or “Smell-A” time. They must have contacted everyone or at least called and emailed all 20. Right?
April 26th, 2007 at 7:36 pm
Just in case nobody’s counting, there are now four, count ‘em, four Anns/Ann Maries partaking in this discussion.
April 26th, 2007 at 7:51 pm
I think the production does matter. I do remember them stating that they would rework the chosen songs, but to be honest, with all they had going on with the Idol Gives Back program and assembling that many stars together, taped or otherwise, is a huge undertaking. When they created the Songwriter portion of their website, I’m sure they had the best of intention thinking there would be time to rework tunes, but time is running out for that.
We submitted some songs that were studio quality and some that were not. We believe our studio versions have far better chances than those that are not not studio quality.
April 26th, 2007 at 8:11 pm
My email box is full
April 26th, 2007 at 8:21 pm
I have been reading the blog entries on this site for the past few days and, like all of you, have been hoping to get that call from AI and, like many of you, fear that the chances diminish with each passing day. I have, however, listened to and enjoyed many of your songs, so I thought I would post mine here as well. Feel free to critique away. The songs are at http://www.myspace.com/danagallupmusic All were submitted to Idol, but the first, I think, has (had) the best chance of making the top 20.
April 26th, 2007 at 8:29 pm
Chick,
I rather enjoyed your main song at the top of your myspace page. It was written and produced in a style that I hadn’t seen since the likes of the talented Babyface when he was big on producing around the time of Jon B (”Someone to Love”…for those who don’t know, that was a huge radio gem that topped the charts for quite some time in the 90’s). Great job on song production. The lyrics also work well, but for something just like this competition in my humble opinion, which may end up working out for you because of that :). If you get a chance, take a listen to “Someone to Love” by Jon B featuring Babyface and you may get some ideas on how a musical background like you’ve got going on in that song can hold up a much more intense storyline…possibly even a much more intense storyline of the one you are already telling, just by getting some inspiration. And as you may notice, it isn’t necessarily the things Jon B and Babyface sing that make the song so dramatic, it’s how they sing them. That singer, again in my humble opinion, did not live up to how good that song is, and could be, based on the style alone.
April 26th, 2007 at 8:37 pm
Hey PhilP…
Sorry that you had to change your name…
paging Michael…???
-Phil
April 26th, 2007 at 8:39 pm
just got back from my second job…teaching at ROCK SCHOOL!
anyway, thought i would check and see if folks had been contacted…looks like nothing yet…which could be good or bad but I’ll keep hoping.
hey, at this point we might as well!
hope everyone is well and chilling…..
it’s friggin cold and rainy in Chicago!!!
love and stuff
Tamar
April 26th, 2007 at 8:50 pm
Drew….Mine wasn’t in 3/4 but close…..it is in 6/8. Have a listen. Tell me what you think!! http://www.myspace.com/danlevinecomposer. It will play automatically when you get to the site.
April 26th, 2007 at 8:53 pm
Hey tamar
I live just east of you. We were under a tornado watch most of the night. I think they had a tornado in LaPorte. Weather’s been crazy the last couple weeks. Anxious for days of warmth.
All the best
Tim
http://www.myspace.com/timenright
April 26th, 2007 at 8:53 pm
I must say, Michael and Cooper…..I will owe tonight’s good night’s sleep….or at least somewhat good night’s sleep to you! I just hope there’s another ray of hope out there somewhere tomorrow! LOL It’s actually a lot of fun. I think the thing to do is believe in yourself and your work whether or not you make it, and fine uses for your songs and just keep writing. In the long run, good talent won’t be overlooked!
April 26th, 2007 at 9:05 pm
I like Lauren’s “Songwriter’s Circle” idea. I have longed for a group of songwriters to “hang with”.
Online is better than nothing, right? After this is over….we can concentrate more on the SONGS…themselves..and not be so desperate. For now though……….”ARGGGHHHHHHHHHHH”…….why don’t we know anything! Good night everyone.
April 26th, 2007 at 9:14 pm
Dana I was impressed personally with the last two songs. Though I’m not sure how commercial they are I would buy them. Your piano accompaniment is sort of an Elton John style. But I would love to hear a full production of your songs.
April 26th, 2007 at 9:16 pm
Wouldn’t it be the coolest thing for no one to know until May2nd (no, not even the top 20)? You go on-line to vote and boom your song is there!!! Gives AI all the time to really fine-tune the ones chosen and have a plan for each one if it is voted #1. Like someone mentioned before, we signed our life away already when we checked off the little box in the agreement. The only signs they’ve mentioned is we’ll send you an email to remind you to vote so register now. Isn’t it a little too scary quiet? They are not obligated to tell you anything even though they asked for your number just in case you’re in the top 20. I know it’s a far heart’s cry but I just want to leave you all with some sweet dreams tonight. Goodnight.
April 26th, 2007 at 9:17 pm
Hi Ann S. Thats why I used my middle name LOL I didn’t want confusion.
I have an off topic question for the rest of you. Do you write lyrics for other artists? If you do, are they from your area or do you get requests from across the planet?
~Anna Marie~
April 26th, 2007 at 9:17 pm
Okay, Get good sleep tonight songwriters! No calls will be made before 10 am pst. friday. That does not mean anything more than it says.
The email has come and I have to respect it. HAVE too. So, I can’t tell you anymore than it really just referred arrangements and rehearsal times and some plans that are being made. It may be totally false anyway. But out of respect and safety, you gotta understand.
Whatever I get tomorrow morning. I will spill it all. Hopefully some initial calls are made.
And my last scoop of the day is… “everyone” is expected to be working this weekend including the singers.
Pass the wine.
April 26th, 2007 at 9:17 pm
No problem phil !
April 26th, 2007 at 9:19 pm
By the way,I am totally in on the songwriters circle. No matter what happens, all of you are the coolest!
April 26th, 2007 at 9:19 pm
I have to quote Jackson Browne here….
“Let the music keep our spirits high”
April 26th, 2007 at 9:20 pm
Thanks Eric. We worked really hard on that song and had a number of great session musicians whom helped bring the demo to life. The singer is Brigette Bryant who had about 1 hour to learn the song and record it. She’s a wonderful backup singer and did a pretty good job from where it was before she sang it. I’m going to check out “Someone to Love” as you suggested and think about how we might be able to deliver it more powerfully vocally. I appreciate your comments very much.
April 26th, 2007 at 9:21 pm
Michael, you’re the best. We’ll all sleep better tonight because of you.
April 26th, 2007 at 9:25 pm
Kudos to Michael!
Great insights as usual.
We’ll all be waiting for tomorrow to hear some more stuff from you.
To eveyone else Keep on writing! This is not the end! We’ve only just begun! (song idea???)
-phil
April 26th, 2007 at 9:26 pm
I have to say I’m feeling a little Pink Floyd coming on….”Can anybody hear me?” …okay goodnight “dreamers.”
April 26th, 2007 at 9:27 pm
Thanks for the update Michael. I think we’re all looking forward to tomorrow.
April 26th, 2007 at 9:28 pm
While I agree with the above postings that melody is what will impress the most in a pitch, I do think that in a contest of thousands like this that a quick read of a lyric will be what determines whether the mp3 will get a listen. I must say, I’m surprised that the calls for the Top 20 have apparently not yet been made - thanks to Coop and Michael for the info for the rest of us. Goodnight everyone from Boston…..
April 26th, 2007 at 9:29 pm
oh. my. god. reality hits tomorrow. I will vow to myself not to be down in the dumps. I will really try. it’s still exciting but it’s damn hard.
i know I’m not going to sleep. i wish everyone the best everyone has had an equal chance at this point, so let’s just hope it all will make sense in the end.
man, am i getting sentimental or what?
good night all!
Tamar
April 26th, 2007 at 9:35 pm
Ok so tommorow is DDAY, goodluck all, songwriter circle is a great idea
April 26th, 2007 at 9:36 pm
wow- so 1 oclock ny time-
so it is calls- michael?
i bet the singers will be RE recording the songs- fi they will be working ALL weekend, no?
i cannot believe we are all thinking of the cans and hows- it will be interesting to get all the facts in the end
good luck to you all- pleeease let us know when you get a call- i know you will
April 26th, 2007 at 9:40 pm
Tamar, just heard your “Comes Down To Me.” Great tune and you just might have some luck with that one! Good nite all….
April 26th, 2007 at 9:44 pm
Good night, everyone, and good luck tomorrow!
Melissa
April 26th, 2007 at 9:49 pm
I wonder if now that we’re on to the Idol song competition, that next year they’ll have to limit the number of entries a person can make cause i don’t know about you but i’ve already written NEXT year’s entry and there isn’t ONE WORD about dreams, flying, wings, believing, fear, shining or anything!
My “hopes” dreams and wishes about soaring have been tabled since we all started talking about how probalby any songs with those words will be toileted immediately!
April 26th, 2007 at 9:55 pm
Michael, thank you.
Tamar, I heard your songs, you have NOTHING to be ashamed of girl.
I’ll help spin the s-circle too… if I’m not to busy :0)
April 26th, 2007 at 10:02 pm
“Michael” for President. I’ll second that.
April 26th, 2007 at 10:02 pm
[...] And the discussion keeps on going, with most folks looking at the estimated 1500:1 odds that they might be getting a phone call from American Idol’s A&R department on Friday morning. [...]
April 26th, 2007 at 10:04 pm
Next thread!
http://spinme.com/2007/04/american-idol-songwriting-contest-hopefuls-enter-a-long-weekend/
May 7th, 2007 at 7:02 am
[...] To get your song onto the site, please follow the instructions in the previous post — specific… As we build out that part of the site, I hope to automate the submission process so we can turn around postings much more quickly. In the meantime, thanks for your patience, and for your song submissions. [...]